I have curves. I've struggled to dress my body to flatter my pear shape. I've finally learned to work with my dangerous curves. I finally accept that this is MY shape; I've made peace with my body. I encourage other pear shaped ladies to accept and love their shape; it is a beautiful, classic womanly shape.
I'm also a ballroom dance lover. I'll share what I've learned about dressing for dance, competition, ballroom glitter, sparkle and glamour.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Ive been following the blogs of some women in a book group I belong to and the majority of them are stay at home moms. For the past few years I've really struggled to accept my own stay at home mom status without losing the feeling that I'm contributing to the world beyond the home. I have worked since I was 15 years old...and staying at home rather than working outside my home is still, after 4 years of being home with my child, a source of guilt and bewilderment at times. Don't get me wrong...I love being at home with my son....witnessing every milestone, listening to what he has to say, teaching him and loving him. Staying home with him is a gift that I didn't have the opportunity to experience with my older sons as a single mom during their early years. The conflict of emotions occurs to me when I hear other women talk about their jobs...or rather their work. I find myself fascinated by the minute details of their work days...the day to day details, frustrations and thrills that seemed so irritating to me when I did work. Then I hear the stories of the moms at home with their kids and I am equally fascinated by their joys and struggles with stay at home motherhood. So while reading these blogs, I'm learning to appreciate all the minutae of motherhood and homemaking and to view it as meaningful work. I'm newly fascinated the by the simple day to day tasks of a running a home.........menu planning, schedule coordinating, discovering new family activites. I'm so thankful to have the time to do these thing for my family......to create rich warmth and comfort for the people God has graciously added to my life. This does have meaning.......I am contributing to the world at large...by the act of creating a home haven......by caring for my family and sending them into the world knowing they have a safe and loving home to retreat to. I've been inspired by momblogs.........It's not that their words somehow convinced me by persuasive theories and logic........we have been hearing for and against (homemaking vs. career) arguments forever. No, it is reading and really feeling the heart behind the words of these blogs. By being truly interested in and recognizing the importance of the "mundane" activities of daily living with a family. I am gathering information and ideas to implement and share with my friends and family. I am thankful to finally recognize that I don't need the lights and sirens and the adrenaline rush of my former career as a paramedic. I am thankful to witness the fine examples of motherhood.....women who cherish the gift of motherhood and homemaking ............I am thankful for the unexpected source of momblog inspiration.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Well..........I finally decided to drag myself reluctantly into the 21st century.........this is my very first attempt at blogging and I have to admit I'm more than a little intimidated. I have become intrigued by the world of blogging after following the blogs of a few friends. I hope to create a warm place where family and friends old and new will feel free to share ideas, hopes dreams and the complexities of their day to day lives. Since this is so new to me, I ask for a little patience with my stumbles, falls and awkwardness.

I have many interests and this blog will probably be a collection of a wide variety subjects. There are so many things in life that have captivated me and it is a real challenge to dig into all of them. I'm going to make a big effort to continue to do just that......I have spent my whole life chasing dreams and ideals; attempting to pack everything in.....there is just not enough time! In the meantime, I invite you to add your comments, questions and thoughts and help make this a special place for us to meet.

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About Me

I'm currently under the influence of testosterone tyranny. I'm Mom to two adult sons (29 and 22), a 7 year old son and my precious 1 year old grandson.
I have a B. A. degree in Human Development and am working on a Master's of Science in Human Development/Family Studies with an additional certification in Addictions Counseling. I teach an undergrad class in Human Development as part of a teaching assistantship. I love teaching and my career path may take a turn in that direction.
I "retired" as a Paramedic a few years ago but still I teach CPR independently.
I hope to tackle program development/research/policy change in human services.......current human services policies do little to serve the community or advance humanity!
I've volunteered for a Fire Department and Civil Defense. I have a heart to protect people who are unable to protect themselves. Currently, I volunteer with two organizations (VAS and NIAGS) that advocate and guardian (through the court system) incapacitated adults.
My passion is ballroom dance an I compete with my fabulous instructor. Dancing brings me joy and is my buffer and my therapy.